Who Should Direct Catching Fire?

Now that Hunger Games director Gary Ross is out for the sequel (see his full statement below), some big names have stepped up as possibilities for the next film in the franchise, [amazon_link id=”B003O86FMW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Catching Fire[/amazon_link]. Let’s take a look at three:

David Cronenberg. He may be a veteran of sci-fi movies such as The Fly, Scanners and The Dead Zone, but recent movies like A Dangerous Method and Eastern Promises have shown that he’s no one-trick pony. Cronenberg’s most successful movie, A History of Violence, not only brings a great story, but good pacing and somewhat toned down violence. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out.

Alfonso Cuaron. He directed my favorite Harry Potter movie, The Prizoner of Azkaban, which infused dark tones, excellent cinematography, and outstanding acting. It was also the first film to set the franchise’s darker, more adult tone. Cuaron’s credits include [amazon_link id=”B001YV502C” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Children of Men[/amazon_link], a smartly-written sci-fi political thriller with Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and everyone’s favorite, Michael Caine. The film had so many memorable scenes, including the continuous shot attack on them in the car, as well as the scene shot from the point of view of Clive Owen, fighting for life through the trenches. Truly a must-see.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. His films include Babel, which starred Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, and 21 Grams with Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, and Benicio del Toro. His most recent film, [amazon_link id=”B0041KKYFG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Biutiful[/amazon_link], for which Javier Bardem was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, has been compared to The Last Tango in Paris. Inarritu is also the first Mexican director to be nominated for an Oscar.

What say you, readers? Who should direct Catching Fire? One of these three, or someone else altogether?

Gary Ross, Director of The Hunger Games | Lionsgate

And for the record, here is Gary Ross’ full statement:

“Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire. As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule.

“I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.

“I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends.

“To the fans, I want to say thank you for your support, your faith, your enthusiasm, and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand, I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.

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Any of those directors would have the deft hand needed to handle the increasingly dark and political tones of the second book. It won’t be an easy task to do well.Melanie recently posted…Sharks with Frickin’ Lasers